If you have ever had a cold sore, you can only hope you never get anther one. We are hoping to provide you with some useful information about what they are, how you get them and some preventative measures you can take to avoid them. Core sores are infections that can occur around or in the mouth. Also referred to herpes simplex, there are 2 strains known as type 1 and type 2. Cold sores are most often caused by type 1 or HSV-1. Type 2 or HSV-2 is most often related to genital herpes where blisters form in the genital area.

Cold sores can easily be transmitted between people through saliva or some other direct contact. Blisters often form on the lips and or inside the mouth. These can frequently turn into painful ulcers that make gums turn red and swell. Some people can suffer from fever, muscle aches, swollen neck glands and irritability when they get a cold sore. They can last anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks depending on treatment. Herpes simplex type 2 or genital herpes is transmitted sexually. The genital area becomes sore, itchy, tender and just plain painful. Visual signs are blisters on the penis or on the vagina area. These blisters soon turn into painful sores that can last up to 3 weeks.

Cold sores can often appear if one is under stress, is getting a cold or other virus, is exposed to long periods of sunlight, is pregnant or after a tooth has been pulled. If you find you are prone to getting a cold sore, the best prevention is to keep your stress level down as much as possible, get lots of rest if you start feeling under the weather and make sure to use a strong SPF sunscreen lip balm when outdoors. Also, avoid kissing anyone who has one! The best prevention for herpes simplex type 2 is for you to wear a latex condom if you are the male or insist your partner wears one if you are the female.